John G Fleming Bowling Club

Thanks to all that attended our 125th birthday party. The day started with a “Spider” event and congratulations to past president Norval Easson on being the “Lucky” winner. This was followed by an afternoon of fun bowling (between dodging the showers) with the highlight being the end where you had to bowl with your wrong hand - hilarious!!!

We were then joined by Provost Lorraine Cameron, Councillor Audrey Doig, Councillor Alison Ann Dowling and Council Officer Steven Sweeney, where just under 100 members, guests and friends enjoyed a 3 course meal followed by speeches eloquently delivered by Provost Lorraine, President John Gilchrist and Past President Bob Holmes.

The tables were then cleared away and the evening continued for a few hours with music and dancing.

All in all a wonderful day and a fitting tribute to commemorate this historic occasion. We all look forward now to 2048 when the club will celebrate its 150th anniversary!!!

Kilmacolm Golf Club

Congratulations to our Junior team who have won this year’s Paisley & District Golf League’s Newton Shield for the first time in its history.

In very wet conditions our team were victorious against Paisley Golf Club in the final at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club. The sun finally shone during the prize giving after hours of persistent rain! Well done to the whole squad - The Future’s Bright at KGC!

We are delighted that our Junior Captain, Alexander Farmer, has been selected to represent Scotland in the European Boys’ Team Championship, held in Slovakia from 11th - 15th July 2023. This is a huge honour and well deserved. On Sunday 25th June we had over 100 players in our Gents Open, some playing in almost constant rain.

Well done to winner Josh Greer, a former member who is visiting from Australia and fresh from an impressive performance in the recent British Amateur. Josh scored a gross 67, just ahead of members Andy Farmer with a level par 69 and pipped our club champion Jordan Ferguson on better inward half.

Round of the day was Kieran Turner from Lochwinnoch GC with a net 63 to win the A Class. B class was dominated by Kilmacolm members with Callum Campbell coming out on top with net 65.

Our course was superbly presented and stood up to the heavy rain. All visitors were impressed with the greens and will be looking forward to coming back to Kilmacolm soon.

Upcoming events: Ladies Open - Thursday 17th August & Mixed Open - Sunday 3rd September. More details on our website.

Our Gents Newton Shield Team are in the finals again this year after a nail biting semi final that was suspended due to rain and flooded greens. The team returned the next day to win 5 - 3 under clear skies. Good luck!

Our Ladies Greenlees team have also had some great wins so far. Watch this space.

Loch Sup - 5 km & 10 km Paddle board race

Calling all paddleboarders! Loch Sup will be holding a fun inclusive 5km and 10km race on Saturday 19th August at Castle Semple Loch from 10am to 1pm.

Enter with your friends for a loop of the Loch. This is suitable for beginners who want to have a bit of fun.

10km race - 2 loops of the Loch to test your speed and endurance. 5km race - think Park run of the sup world. There will be prizes on the day by raffle. Every entry has a chance of winning something. Register at: https://lochsup. co.uk/race

This will be the last in a series of 4 races.

Houston Girls u14’s Football Team

So the West Plate Final took place at the Petershill Stadium on 18th June ( Father’s Day). This was the U14’s first league final so nerves were running high. Plenty of adults were there to support the Houston team, together with several of the U16 squad. Team Captain Pippa Mackay kept her team in positive spirits as the kick off approached. The starting whistle blew and kick off commenced, both teams started a little nervously, passing in and out towards there team mates - Houston began to relax as the game picked up momentum. Houston kept good strong possession of the ball with several strikes at the goal, but The Buddies stood strong in defence to ensure the ball did not enter the net. St Mirren made a break through in the first half where their striker made a run for the goal with the ball in full control on her feet before planting in in the top right corner allowing The Buddies to take the lead. The half time whistle blew the score St Mirren 1, Houston nil. The second half kicked off and both team were hungry for goal, Houston dominated the second half with many more strikes at goal, but the quick response of the St Mirren keeper made it difficult for the ball to enter the net, It wasn’t long before Houston’s Anna McMinn sneaked the ball through under the keepers leg to level the game to 1 each. Houston continued to hunt for more, but time ran out and the full time whistle blew with both teams a goal a piece. Extra time of 10 minutes each way began - again Houston dominated making it difficult for St Mirren to get away with the ball, McMinn takes another opportunity and scores again. 2-1 to Houston, minutes later the referee awards Houston a penalty which was taken by a fully composed Alice English where she calmly placed the ball passed the keeper into the net, 3-1 to Houston. The whistle blew for the teams to take a quick break before the second half of extra time. Both teams came out strong with the eyes on the prize, St Mirren continued to attack through Houston’s midfield, but the girls made it difficult for The Buddies to get clear shots at the goal, with minutes left St Mirren seized the opportunity to slot the goal in the net from a well driven corner bringing the score to 3-2, but time ran out and Houston were rewarded with the U14s West league plate. The girls celebrated whilst displaying great sportsmanship, the supporting girls ran across the pitch to celebrate Houston’s success. After the success of the U14s game an after party was held to allow the team to let their hair down, party and enjoy pizza.

Houston girls began in June 2019 with just 50 girls, today they have over 150 from 5 years to 16 years, the U14 squad alone consists of 24 girls which is outstanding. No player is turned away, if a girl wants to play football we let them play regardless of experience. This year the girls club have been generously sponsored by Spratts Utilities and Houston Farms.

The club’s success would not be possible without the dedicated coaches and parents.

Ladies Section - The Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club

Well another month of golf in the sunshine has passed with handicaps tumbling down, as they should.

We have had a good number of team competition wins both at home and away. These include the Bronze team winning against Caldwell 3-0 and Elderslie 3-0, captained by Fiona McCrudden. The teams donned team shirts for the first time and not only did they look smart, but played better too!

Our Greenlees team played and won 5/4 against Whitecraigs. Congratulations to Valerie Mackinnon and her team.

Our Ladies Open had 38 couples (76 entrants) playing on a very rainy day. Our 9 generous sponsors ensured many went home with a prize despite the showery day. Congratulations to overall winners Merope

Dunlop (ORGC) and Sandra MacDougall (Kilmacolm GC), who were unable to attend the Prize Giving. (Lana Wilson pictured right with Fiona MacPhee (Past Captain) receiving 2nd Prize). However, the 19th hole was busy with food orders, drinks and chatter until well after the prizegiving. Such a fantastic atmosphere in our beautiful lounge.

Thanks to Suzanne Smith (pictured below) and her committee for organising and hosting the event, raising £435 for St Vincent’s Hospice. Ladies coaching proved as popular as ever with new hopefuls learning golf basics with our Lady members lending a hand with Marion Downie (Organiser).

We welcomed the rain which has fed the course after some fabulous sun and heat. We continue our golf season with a full diary of Medal competitions and events including a Fashion Show Extravaganza on 6th September (Yvonne MacPhee, Organiser).